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Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Minimally Invasive Technique for Accurate Cancer Staging and Targeted Surgical Decision-Ma
A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a highly specialized, minimally invasive surgical procedure used to determine whether cancer has spread beyond its primary site into the lymphatic system. The technique is based on the principle that cancer cells typically travel first to a specific lymph node, known as the sentinel lymph node, before spreading to others.
By identifying and analyzing this first draining node, surgeons can accurately stage cancers while significantly reducing the need for extensive lymph node removal. This procedure is particularly crucial in breast cancer, melanoma, and certain gynecologic cancers, where lymph node assessment plays a central role in treatment planning and prognosis. During the procedure, a radioactive tracer, blue dye, or both are injected near the tumor. These substances travel along lymphatic channels to the sentinel node(s), guiding the surgeon to the exact location. Once removed, the node is examined microscopically for the presence of malignant…